China Discovery & Yangtze Cruise - 15 Days

Upon arriving at Beijing Airport, you will be greeted outside customs by your guide. From there, our driver will take you to our hotel. You can spend the rest of the day at your leisure to relax and unwind.

This morning, at 08:30 AM, we will meet our guide in the hotel lobby for a 30-minute tour briefing before beginning a 2-3 hour guided tour at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest urban square and a significant site for national ceremonies, surrounded by historic landmarks. From there, we will stroll to the Forbidden City, once the political and imperial center of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911). With our expert guide, we will efficiently explore key areas and visit the specially included Treasury Gallery, which houses priceless imperial treasures such as the remarkable 1.29m-tall Pearl-Inlaid Gold Tower, crafted from 85 kilograms of gold and decorated with hundreds of pearls and gemstones. Our guide will also share fascinating stories from the palace’s history, including accounts of abandoned wells after court intrigue led to maids and eunuchs being thrown into them, forcing the imperial household to fetch water from a mountain over 20 kilometers away.

Afterwards, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, offering an opportunity to sample authentic Chinese cuisine, including the world-renowned Peking Roast Duck. In the afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, an iconic ceremonial site where Ming and Qing emperors once worshipped Heaven in prayers for a good harvest. To conclude the day, we will attend a spectacular acrobatic performance at the Red Theater, showcasing incredible feats of skill and artistry.

Today, we will experience the wonder of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, one of its best-preserved and most scenic sections. A round-trip cable car ride is included, allowing ample time to explore the Wall comfortably while enjoying breathtaking views as it winds across the rugged landscape. To commemorate the visit, we will celebrate with a group toast of red wine after our walk along the Wall.

On our return journey to Beijing this afternoon, we will pass by the Bird’s Nest, the iconic National Stadium built for the 2008 Olympic Games, where we will stop for a photo opportunity to admire its striking and award-winning architecture up close.

Later, we will take a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s historic Hutongs, a maze of narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyard residences known as Siheyuan. This 40-minute ride offers a glimpse into old Beijing life and concludes with a visit to a local family’s Siheyuan, providing an authentic experience of this distinctive way of living. Afterward, we will return to our hotel, where you will have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Beijing - Xi'an. After breakfast, we will set out for the Panda Hall at Beijing Zoo, offering a special chance to see China’s treasured giant pandas. We will arrive early to catch them at their liveliest, as they busily graze and eat bamboo. An adult panda consumes an astonishing 23 to 40 kilograms each day to meet its nutritional needs.

We will then continue to the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden, where elegant landscapes and grand historical structures await. If visiting in early July, the lotus flowers in bloom will add an extra charm to the scenery.

Following lunch with local specialities, we will say farewell to Beijing. Your guide will accompany you to the airport for your flight to Xi’an. On arrival, a Xi’an guide will meet you and transfer you to your central hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure after checking in.

This morning, we will visit the extraordinary Terracotta Army, created as funerary guardians for Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 to 210 BC), founder of the Qin Empire. We will view the vast ranks of life-sized warriors in their original pits and explore a new exhibition hall showcasing 230 carefully preserved artefacts, including intricately sculpted animals and vividly painted pottery and bronze. Our guide will help us uncover the grandeur and enduring mystery of this ancient empire.

After visiting the Terracotta Army, we will visit the home of Yang Zhifa, the farmer who discovered the first warrior in 1974, where you can hear his story, see the original hoe and cart he used, and view a full-size replica. If Mr Yang is present, you may also have a chance to meet him and take photos. We will then continue to a terracotta warrior workshop, where an artisan will demonstrate the traditional crafting process before guiding you as you make your own miniature warrior to keep as a souvenir.

After, we will make our way to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 AD) to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India. The surrounding Da Ci’en Temple offers not only a strong Buddhist atmosphere but also fascinating imperial history, as it was built by Emperor Li Zhi in gratitude to his father and in memory of his late mother. In the evening, we will enjoy a dumpling dinner followed by the renowned Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show. After the performance, we will return to our hotel.

Please note: As the theatre is usually closed in January, February, March and December, the show and dumpling dinner will not be included for tours during these months.

Today, we will make our way to the City Wall Park, where we can observe locals enjoying their morning activities such as singing, dancing, playing music, and chess, and you’re welcome to join in if you wish. You can also take part in a traditional Tai Chi class, a graceful practice that combines slow flowing movements to promote both physical and mental well-being.

After that, you will visit the City Wall, the best-preserved urban fortification in China, dating back to the 1300s. You can walk or cycle along the top of this ancient structure, an experience many find unforgettable.

We will then have lunch at a popular restaurant in the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively bazaar known for its street food and atmosphere. Alongside a variety of traditional dishes, you can savour local treats such as sweet steamed rice, green bean cake, persimmon cake, and rice cake

We will then head deeper into the lively district to explore the Great Mosque, a serene complex blending Islamic worship spaces with classical Chinese garden design. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Shaanxi History Museum, home to an extensive collection of artefacts that showcase Xi’an’s role as capital of thirteen dynasties.

Please note: that the bike rental fee will be at your own expense for cycling the City Qall. If the museum is closed, we will instead visit the renowned Forest of Stone Steles Museum.

Xián - Guilin. After breakfast, our guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you at Guilin Airport, and a driver will transfer you to your hotel. Once you've checked in, we will enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour. We will visit the mesmerising Reed Flute Cave, known for its stunning limestone formations, and explore the picturesque Elephant Trunk Hill. As the day comes to a close, we'll return to our hotel.

Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin. This morning, we set off on a leisurely cruise along the Li River, a journey of about 4.5 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo. This route, often called ‘A Hundred Mile Gallery’, showcases some of the most striking scenery in the region. As we glide along, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the serene landscapes and let go of everyday worries.

Upon reaching Yangshuo, you will step ashore and enjoy some time exploring the lively West Street, where you can wander among local shops and soak up the unique atmosphere. From there, we continue our day with a drive into the picturesque countryside that surrounds Yangshuo.

During our time in the countryside, we’ll stop for a special visit to a local family’s home. Here we discover scenes reminiscent of an older, simpler China: a courtyard shaded by moss, a kitchen where meals are still prepared over a wood fire, and rooms decorated with antique furnishings. The family will be happy to share their way of life and answer any questions you might have. Later, we make our way back to our hotel in Guilin.

Guilin - Chengdu. After breakfast, we'll transfer you to the train station to board a first-class high-speed train to Chengdu. The journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

If time permits, you'll be accompanied to Chengdu's well-loved Renmin Park, also known as People's Park. Here, you can savour authentic Gai Wan tea and experience China's fascinating marriage market. Known as “Blind Date Corner”, this area sees parents posting profiles of their children in a bid to find them suitable partners. After, you will return to the hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Chengdu or enjoy dinner at one of the many restuarantss.

Please note: You can opt to upgrade your train seats to first class at an additional fee.

Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze. Today, we will make our way to the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a renowned sanctuary dedicated to the protection of China’s most beloved national treasure. A morning visit offers the best chance to see these playful black-and-white pandas at their most lively, as they roam, eat and interact in a carefully maintained natural environment.

Next, we’ll explore Chengdu’s charming Wide and Narrow Alleys, a historic district dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Strolling along these atmospheric lanes, we can soak up a vibrant mix of traditional Chengdu culture and modern life, with tea houses, boutique shops, and street food stalls lining the way.

In the afternoon, our guide will transfer us to the railway station and assist with boarding a high-speed train to Chongqing — a journey of around two hours. On arrival, we will be met by our local guide and escorted to the pier to board one of the finest cruise ships on the Yangtze River.

After settling into our cabins, we’ll enjoy a relaxing buffet dinner on board. Later this evening, we’ll be invited to the Captain’s Welcome Party, a perfect way to celebrate the start of our two-night Yangtze River cruise.

Please note: You can opt to upgrade your train seats to first class at an additional fee.

Yangtze - Fengdu - Yangtze. This morning, before continuing our journey down the Yangtze, we will come ashore for a guided visit to the Ghost City in Fengdu County. Here, we’ll explore a fascinating temple complex that brings to life the underworld of Chinese folklore. As we walk through, we’ll pass sites such as Guimen Guan – the legendary Gate of Hell – and other symbolic landmarks reflecting ancient beliefs about the afterlife.

In the afternoon, you are free to enjoy a range of activities on board arranged by the cruise company. You may wish to attend a lecture on the Three Gorges to learn more about the incredible scenery ahead, or take part in light-hearted pastimes such as kite flying or watching crew demonstrations.

Please note: All meals today will be served buffet-style, with a variety of dishes available throughout the day. Night snacks will also be on offer if you wish.

As we continue our voyage, the ship enters the dramatic landscapes of the Three Gorges. We’ll first pass through Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most imposing section, with sheer cliffs rising steeply on both sides. Next comes the striking scenery of Wu Gorge, known for its misty peaks and deep valleys.

Later, we’ll step ashore for a 2 to 3-hour sampan excursion along the tranquil Shennv Stream, offering a close-up experience of this beautiful tributary. After the excursion, we return to the ship as it sails into Xiling Gorge, the longest and most treacherous of the Three Gorges.

In the evening, you can enjoy a relaxed buffet dinner on board and, if you wish, attend a lively performance showcasing local music and dance.

Yangtze - Yichang - Shanghai. After breakfast, we’ll disembark from the ship for an onshore visit to the impressive Three Gorges Dam, an extraordinary feat of modern engineering designed for flood control and power generation.

Once the excursion is finished, you will be transferred by the cruise company to the Three Gorges Tourist Centre in Yichang, where our local guide will meet you. From there, we’ll head to the railway station for a high-speed train journey to Shanghai. The train journey takes approximately 7.5 hours — you might wish to bring along snacks, fruit or a good book for the ride.

On arrival in Shanghai, we’ll be met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.

This morning, we will visit the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s finest museums, known for its exceptional collection of ancient art. We will then explore the elegant Yu Garden, with its charming Nine Zigzag Bridge and mid-lake pavilion. You will also have the chance to browse the nearby bazaar for souvenirs if you wish. Around noon, we will enjoy an à la carte farewell lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will stroll along the lively Bund where you will have free time to explore before taking a one-hour cruise on the Huangpu River, offering views of Shanghai’s contrasting skyline, from historic riverside buildings to modern landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Jinmao Tower. After the cruise, you will have some free time to explore the Bund. After, we will return to your hotel, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time to further explore Shanghai, do some last-minute shopping, or relax before making your way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!